Keep holiday dates in mind when planning your Vegas wedding. Valentine’s Day is a hugely popular date for Vegas weddings and, while it might seem romantic, you may change your mind after waiting in a queue for five hours for a wedding chapel. New Year’s Eve is another busy wedding day. It’s also party central for tourists, which means you and your guests may have trouble finding flights, rooms and venues unless you’ve booked in advance. The Clark County Marriage License Bureau is open 24 hours on holidays to accommodate large crowds, but expect long queues.

Weather

Las Vegas has beautiful, sunny weather most of the year. But from May to September temperatures can go well over 100 degrees, making it quite uncomfortable out of the air-conditioned hotels. A heavily perspiring bride and groom never look their best so if you’re choosing this time of year an evening ceremony is often better.

photo credit: Sarah and Robin

The dress

In Vegas a bride in need of a wedding dress with just a few hours to spare is not unusual. There are several places to hire dresses and suits, log on to www.vegas.com/weddings/formal.html for details. There are also plenty of shops if you choose to buy your outfit. Alternatively you can take your dress with you, just check with your airline about the space available to store your dress during the night.

Hair and Make-up

Many hotels have salons or spas on site and chapels can often recommend people that will come to your hotel to do your hair. Or you may want to try a local salon off the Strip. In either case, book your appointment well in advance and keep the holidays and weekends in mind.

Legalities

Both parties have to be at least 18 years old to get a marriage licence. You both need to take an ID with proof of age (passport is always best) along to the Marriage License Bureau in the County Courthouse, at 200 S. 3^rd Street, 1^st Floor.

The telephone number is (702)455 4415. The fee is $50 and waiting times vary. At less busy times it’s around ten minutes but the queues are always longer at weekends and holidays.

The Courthouse is open Monday to Thursday, 8am to midnight, but it’s a 24 hour service during weekends and holidays.

Witnesses

Although you need witnesses for your ceremony, if you haven’t brought friends or family with you, Las Vegas wedding chapels always have someone on hand to serve as a witness.

Most chapels offer either a civil or religious ceremony, and can provide a minister or rabbi on request.

This old English poem dates back to Victorian times, but has remained perhaps the most steadfastly held to wedding tradition of the lot. Even today, you’d be hard pressed finding a single bride in the whole world who would walk down the aisle without something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

Something old

The “something old” represents the bride’s family and her past – her “old life”. This item was traditionally a handkerchief from a mother or grandmother – perhaps an heirloom passed down through the family.

A handkerchief was used because it was thought that a bride who cried tears of joy at her wedding would never shed another tear during her marriage.

Many brides interpret the ‘something old’ tradition by wearing a piece of treasured antique jewellery, or even their mother’s wedding gown. Whatever is chosen should symbolise that the people you love will always be a part of your life.

Something new

“Something new” symbolises the brand new family that will formed by the newlywed couple. This item represents good fortune, happiness, health and a successful marriage. Most brides count their wedding gown as their ‘something new’ item.

Another idea is for the bridesmaids to give the bride a new handkerchief that can be made into a christening bonnet for her first child. The “something new” can be anything that you bought with your mother, sister, or fiancé to wear at the wedding – this way it will be both new, and have sentimental value. There is not limit to new things you can find to wear – so have fun with it!

Something borrowed

Borrowing something to wear is one of the especially important wedding traditions. The borrowed item is to come from a happily married woman, who is thereby lending the bride some of her own marital bliss to carry into the new union. In Victorian times, when the bride returned the token that had been lent her, good luck would be bestowed upon her marriage. A borrowed piece of family jewellery, a grandmother’s lace fan, a sister’s hair clip, a best friend’s bracelet or an aunt’s white elbow-length gloves can be chosen to remind you that you will always have family and friends to depend on.

photo credit: Shootingsnow

Something blue

The “something blue” can be traced back to ancient times. Pagan Roman maidens wore blue on the borders of their robes to denote love, modesty and fidelity. In ancient Israel, blue, not white was the symbol of purity. Christians associate the colour blue with the purity of the Virgin Mary.

Before the nineteenth century, blue was the colour of choice for an American bride’s gown. This sparked several saying in the USA, such as “marry in blue, lover be true,” and “Yellow’s forsaken and green’s forsworn, but blue and red ought to be worn.”

No matter which way you look at it, wearing something blue on your wedding day symbolises your faithfulness and loyalty.

And a silver sixpence in her shoe

This one is thought to come from the ancient Greek custom of the bride carrying three silver coins on her wedding day: one for her mother-in-law, one for the first person met on the road after the wedding, and one to carry to her new home to ensure prosperity. In Victorian England, brides put a silver sixpence in their wedding shoes to grant wealth in their new marriage.

The sixpence was given to her by her fiancé as a token of his love and his promise to take care of her. Today, the sixpence (or your coins of choice) is traditionally given to the bride by her father. For optimum fortune, the “sixpence” should be in the left shoe, but put it in your purse if you get uncomfortable!

Blue ideas

• Blue lingerie
• A blue bow on your lingerie or garter
• Blue flowers
• A blue jewel (can be worn on the inside of the dress or  bridal tiaras).
• A blue dress
• A traditionally blue ribbon, (can be sewn inside your dress).
• Blue toenails
• Blue shoes
• A blue trinket in your wedding flowers– like a butterfly or bow

Cinematographers are not exclusive to just making big budget motion pictures. Those who are just starting out are trying to get as many credits as possible to their name. Yes, that even includes wedding videos and short films. The more experience they gain the better their chances are of getting their foot in the door.

Your wedding day should be captured on film in an unforgettable and enchanting way. Each sample will have its own theme and listings of other themes you can choose from. You can tell by the quality and creativity of each video on whether or not this is the right filmmaker for a wedding.

Price is also a main concern when planning your wedding, and you need to stay within your budget. With each video sample and filmmaker you will receive a price list. These prices will be adjusted if you want only this wedding ceremony filmed and not the receptionist. Filming the receptionist and/or after parties will incur additional cost.

Each filmmaker will record your wedding. They will then edit the film and add any creative graphics that go along with your particular theme. If you want they can even add credits to the end of the wedding video to include the date and the time and even a title to your video.

Some will even design a special case for your wedding video. You can include a photo of the bride and groom or the entire wedding party. They can create an inner booklet to go with this cover to include still frame photographs from the wedding. These stills can be created by the reels of film.

1. Guest List
Most experts agree that cutting the guest list is one of the number one ways to make a wedding less expensive. An intimate family wedding is usually one of the most cost effective ways to go, but if you want to make a splash and share it with many people then prioritize. Invite close friends and family members, but make a decision on where to draw the line. An easy way to do this (and avoid hurt feelings) is by not inviting groups, such as everyone from work or your church group. By cutting out an entire group, you bypass the minefield of having to pick and choose whom to invite.

2. DIY Wedding Invitations
With modern technology today, you can make your own printable wedding invitations and no one will even know the difference. Also, cut back on the extra “fluff”: do you really need gold lined envelopes and blotter paper? You can also save on postage by having guests RSVP online instead of including a card with pre-paid postage in the envelope.

3. The Ceremony
Get creative. Find a free location for your wedding. Some churches do not charge members for wedding ceremonies, and you can also have a free or low cost wedding at parks and other outdoor locations. For beach weddings, you may be charged a small fee, but often it’s free. Just make sure you contact the local parks department well ahead of time and find out their rules and requirements. If you have a close friend or family member who has a fabulous yard or home, they may let you have the ceremony and/or reception there.

4. Get Friends And Family Involved
When it comes to wedding  decorations, wedding favors, and refreshments, don’t hesitate to ask others for help. You never know who will have access to discounts for items you may need for your wedding. You can also enlist the help of friends and family to assemble wholesale flower arrangements, wedding favors, centerpieces, etc.

5. Find The Best Discounts And Deals
Don’t buy anything without doing at least a bit of research first. Browse the Internet to find the best deals on your wedding supplies. Check out online auction houses and wholesale discounters. You can often rent decorations (and even gowns) for a fraction of the cost of purchasing them. If you have your heart set on buying a dress, shop sample sales or consider a used gown. Don’t be afraid to bargain with vendors – you’d be surprised at how often you can get a discount on an item just by asking for it.

Having a fabulous wedding can definitely be affordable. You just have to have the discipline to plan it within your budget. Be creative and persistent, ask for help, and when costs threaten to get out of hand, remember that it’s one single day out of your entire life. If the bargain church decorations are a shade of pink that is not exactly what you had wanted, using them anyway will not ruin your life, or even your wedding day. And, trust me; you’ll appreciate that extra cash in the bank when you want to splurge on a 5-course gourmet dinner or sunset sail on your honeymoon.

Easing out of wedding mode

Just because your big day has come and gone, it doesn’t mean you have to banish wedding talk forever. A fun way to ‘debrief’ is to have your wedding party over for a meal (why not use the new dinner set you got as a wedding gift?) and watch the video of your day or look through your photos together.

There are still thankyou notes to be written and sent, and by writing these in small batches you can make this less of a chore and more a chance to reminisce. If you’re that way inclined, you could even put together a scrapbook of wedding memorabilia, including a copy of your invitations, menu cards, Order of Service, fabric swatches, snapshots and other tokens of your day.

Envisage the future

Once you’re feeling recharged and ready for a new challenge, take some time to discuss (and even write down) your long and short-term goals as a couple. Having a plan will give more structure and purpose to your future. Now that you’ve achieved one of you major aims – finding your life partner – you might want to refocus and look to the years ahead together. Are you looking to buy a house or a holiday home? Are you planning a family? Do you want an overseas holiday each year? Where do you want to be when you’re 40,50,60 and beyond?

Having a picture of what you want and where you’re going will give you something to aim for and look forward to.

photo credit: Johnny Jet

Get out of the rut

Get out there and socialize. Spending time with friends and having a good laugh is a sure way to lift your spirits. Organize a dinner party or a pot-luck meal or meet some friends at a restaurant.

Remember, now that you’re not planning a wedding, you’ll have much more spare time.

It’s also vital to remember that there are plenty of things to look forward to.

Although many people say that their wedding day was wonderful, thinking of it as the most wonderful day of your life will only lead you to conclude that everything from now on will be downhill.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Your wedding day is merely the first day of the rest of your lives together.

It’s the beginning, not the end.

Your officiant is one of the most important people to attend your wedding, so it’s crucial you find one who suits you as a couple. Whether religious or civil, officiants understand that you want to find a perfect match. They meet with couples all the time who, like you, have a truckload of questions, and they won’t be offended by yours!

Take a list of your ideas when you meet with officiants, for example: what you would like them to say, whether it’s formal/informal, etc. Let them know you’ll be interviewing others, and don’t forget – first impressions count. If you don’t think they’re the one for you, don’t feel pressured to hire them.

What’s the correct etiquette on greeting guests at the reception?

A receiving line is the traditional way to welcome guests, and ensures you and your new hubby chat to everyone. The receiving line goes like this: the hostess (historically the bride’s mother), the bride’s father, the groom’s mother and father, then the bride and groom, maid of honour and bridesmaids. If you want to include the best man (not done traditionally), he stands between the maid of honour and the bridesmaids. But this method of greeting can be slow-going (and painful if you’re in heels!). Not to mention the who-stands-where issues with today’s complex family units. A less formal welcome might be the way to go, such as mingling at the wedding reception. Or, you could join each table for a moment during the meal. If you’re worried you might miss someone, make a toast to all your loved ones during dessert, singling out any who made a special effort or gave extra support.

My fiancés parents haven’t mentioned a thing about money. How do we get them to contribute?

With your fiancé, have them to dinner and explain why you’d like their help. Give them an idea of what you want them to pay for (and how much it’ll set back). The general rule nowadays is that the groom’s parents pay for the alcohol at the reception, so perhaps they could make this payment as their wedding present to you (which takes the pressure off if they can’t afford both a contribution and a present). Make sure they know they’re not obligated to contribute. Remember, weddings are expensive, and parents’ contributions are voluntary, not a given. If they choose not to, listen to their reasons, and maybe you can find a compromise (if the reception is too much, maybe they can help with the cost of the wedding cake).

Do we have to supply meals for the entertainers?

It is a nice gesture to provide the band/DJ and photographer with meals. Yes, we know you’re paying for their services, but keep in mind that they’ll be working hard to make your wedding perfect! Many reception venues provide ‘crew meals’, which cost less than your guests’ menu, and will suggest somewhere separate for the entertainers to sit with their meal – just to make sure you talk to the venue about this well in advance so that no-one goes hungry!

Will the people I invite to the engagement party expect an invitation to the wedding?

You shouldn’t feel obligated to invite everyone from the engagement party to your wedding. Relationships may change between the two events and it might not feel right to invite certain people. The party can actually be a great opportunity to see all the people you can’t invite to the wedding, but be prepared to offer an explanation to those you’ve left off the guest list. When you invite people to the party, explain that you’re having a larger engagement due to the wedding being a smaller, family affair, and you’re having this special party to see all your loved ones.

I really don’t want a pub-crawl for my hen’s night. What can we do instead that’s tasteful?

While your bridesmaids may think the festivities are up to them, your hen’s night is about you. Pick out an understanding friend (perhaps your maid of honour – there’s a reason she’s got this title) and explain that you don’t want a drunken rampage. Instead, how about cocktails at a suave bar? Or book a room at the Hilton and indulge in manis, pedis and facials all night (jump online for last minute hotel specials).

Before you show up for your first dance – here are some things you should consider:

Style of Dress and Shoes
Bring your shoes with you if you have them. Consider this – if you can barely walk in them – how do you expect to dance in them? Dance shoes generally have heels about 2 to 3″ high – but the they are designed to be danced in – the heel is strong and the shoe will hold your foot securely. Your weddding shoes may not be as suitable – and if they are sling backs you can pretty much guarantee you won’t be waltzing in them. Oh and a long dress with a train – make sure you can lift the train clear of the floor (or take it off entirely).

Size of Dance Floor
How much space will you have to dance in.  An experienced dancer will cover 10 meters in a  few steps – you won’t be at that stage – but bigger is always better and floors with cracks that catch heels are a big no-no.

The DJ and the Music
Don’t let the DJ chose your wedding music. You chose it, you provide it if he hasn’t got it – and you learn to dance to it in advance. All those stars on Dancing with the Stars – look good because they have carefully practiced one routine to one piece of music – take the hint and do the same.

It Doesn’t Have To Be a Waltz
Although a waltz is still traditional – most modern music is not in 3 / 4 timing. If you want more contemporary feel consider a tango or a chacha for your wedding dance.

These wedding party gifts can be anything. They do not have to be expensive nor do they have to be cheap. It is best to stay in the middle so to speak and give out tokens which come from the heart and are still light on the pocket. They could be wine glasses that have the couple’s names engraved on it together with the date and time of the wedding.

Or they can be photograph containing the picture of the couple in a sweet but appropriate position. Whatever it is, the important thing is the guests feel valued and appreciated with these gifts.

Other items that can be given out are wedding party shirts. These are not normal shirts that can be simply bought from the store, but these are customized shirts that take time to have someone design and create them. These shirts can have the picture of the couple, or they could simply contain text stating when the wedding will take place. Anything can be on the shirts as longs as it is in some way related to the wedding event at hand.

These are some sample gifts ideas on what kind of things can be given out at the party. It doesn’t matter if the gift suggestions above are followed or not, but what matters is each guest receives one before they go home from the party, as this shows class.

I once had a boyfriend who was preoccupied with planning for the future. On a large whiteboard in his bedroom he’d written lists of long-and short-term goals. Although his mania for planning did seem somewhat obsessive, I was impressed and excited to be going out with a guy who, in his mid 20s, was this motivated – so impressed, in fact, that it took me a while to notice I didn’t even rate a mention on this detailed map of his future.

Needless to say, our relationship didn’t work out, but it taught me the importance of being with someone who shares your view of the future and wants to get there with you by their side.

Being on the same page is what draws many couples together initially, but continuing on in the same direction helps ensure the success of their relationship. Before and during your engagement you will have discovered a great deal about each other’s likes, dislikes, hopes, fears and goals. But, although you may have already talked about these things, now is the time to really start fleshing out the details. Getting down to the nitty-gritty on some issues may seem premature, but the future has a habit of arriving sooner than we expect, so why not be as prepared as possible?

Those who’ve already been through a divorce or the break-up of a long-term relationship will be more acutely aware of the need to sort out important issues. They’re likely to have learnt the hard way that just because you love someone, it doesn’t necessarily mean you share the same standpoint on everything.

So what are these vital subjects we should be thinking and talking about? Roughly, they fall into three categories: living arrangements, finances and family.

Where will you live?

If you have already determined what city, or even country, you are going to live in, there is the practical matter of accommodation to sort out. For many couples nowadays this isn’t an issue, as it’s likely they’ve been cohabitating for months or even years before the wedding. Chances are that one or maybe even both of you already own a home, so it really just comes down to how best to manage your properties. Do you consolidate your assets and buy another house or rent one out and live in the other? If you’re currently renting, is this a lifestyle you both want to continue, or do you hope to buy your own home one day?

Ready to buy

When it comes to finding the perfect house, we all have different ideas. Make sure yours are in tune by writing out separate lists of your ‘must-haves’, ‘optionals’ and ‘definate no’s’. Compare your responses to see where they overlap and talk about any discrepancies. Before you start house-hunting, work out what you’re looking for: a house or an apartment; a modern/new house or a traditional/character home; how many bedrooms; if you require outdoor living space and off-street parking; which suburbs you’ll be looking in; and how much you’re prepared to pay.

Drive around your neighbourhood and point out what you like to see how similar your tastes are. Then, it’s just a matter of going to the open homes, finding something within your price range that suits your needs, and putting in an offer. Easy!

Finances

Money management is a vast and complicated area, and one usually at the centre of marital problems, so it’s best to consult a financial planner if you want to put in place any elaborate investment plans. But key issues you’ll need to go over as a couple include:

• How your finances will be combined. Do you want to retain separate bank accounts and open a joint account for household expenses? Consider whether your financial independence is worth the increase in bank fees.
• If you’ve already been together for three years, under the Matrimonial Property Act all your assets are considered to be owned equally by both parties. But there may be certain items, acquired before you met, that you want to keep separate. If this is the case, it’ll pay to visit a lawyer and have some sort of contract drawn up. Of you haven’t been together for three years then this is the time to legally sort out any issues over asset ‘ownership’ or financial matters.
• It’s wise to discuss your spending priorities. Some couples decide to spend the first few years paying off as much of their mortgage as they can. Others take a more leisurely approach, enjoying an annual holiday, socializing and keeping their wardrobe up to date, while gradually chipping away at the mortgage.
• What are your saving goals? You may want to have accumulated enough assets to retire at 55, but your partner might be the ‘spend now, worry later’ type. Talk about what compromises you can make to keep you both happy.